If you’re working to revitalize a downtown or commercial district, finding funding can be a major challenge. The My Main Street – Community Activator Program supports communities in delivering visible, place-based projects that attract people, support local businesses, and create lasting social and economic benefits. The program is currently open and offers non-repayable funding from $25,000 to $250,000 for eligible placemaking initiatives.
The Community Activator stream is part of the federally supported My Main Street initiative. It focuses on community-led placemaking projects that make main streets more vibrant, inclusive, and economically active.
Funded projects often include:
These projects should do more than just make the area look better for a short time. They need to show how they will help the community and economy over the long term.
The My Main Street – Community Activator Program is designed for organizations, not individual businesses.
To be eligible, applicants must:
Strong applications are led by organizations such as BIAs, non-profits, community groups, or municipalities with the capacity to manage multi-part projects.
Funding under the Community Activator stream is non-repayable.
This means your organization can receive full funding for eligible project costs, but you must still provide a detailed budget and show project sustainability.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly identify complementary programs that may be combined with My Main Street funding.
Eligible projects must be place-based and tied to a specific geographic area. Examples include:
Projects must go beyond one-time activities. Your application should explain how the initiative contributes to long-term downtown revitalization and supports local economic activity.
Applying to the My Main Street – Community Activator Program involves more than filling out a form. Successful applicants prepare detailed documentation in advance.
Step 1: Define your project area
Clearly outline the main street or commercial district your project serves.
Step 2: Build a detailed project plan
Include timelines, roles, and implementation steps. Vague plans are often rejected.
Step 3: Create a fully costed budget
Show total project costs and confirm how My Main Street funding will be used.
Step 4: Show your impact
Explain how you will measure success, such as increased foot traffic, business engagement, or community participation.
Step 5: Submit through the My Main Street portal
Applications are submitted directly through the official My Main Street website.
Applying as an individual business
This program is for community-led projects, not single-store improvements.
Misunderstanding the funding structure
Funding is non-repayable. Make sure your budget and project plan reflect this.
Weak impact measurement
Applications without clear success metrics are rarely approved.
Unclear project geography
Projects must be tied to a specific, defined main street or district.
Q: Is My Main Street – Community Activator funding repayable?
No. Funding is non-repayable and can cover up to 100% of total eligible project costs.
Q: How much funding can a project receive?
Eligible projects can receive between $25,000 and $250,000, depending on scope and impact.
Q: Do projects need to be in a specific location?
Yes. Projects must be tied to a clearly defined main street or commercial district.
Q: Are projects supporting equity-deserving groups prioritized?
Yes. Projects that meaningfully benefit equity-deserving groups are strongly encouraged and viewed favourably.
Q: What types of organizations can apply?
Community organizations, non-profits, BIAs, municipalities, and similar groups with project delivery capacity are eligible.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada—including placemaking and downtown revitalization funding—so you can see which options align with your organization and project goals.
If you’re considering the My Main Street – Community Activator Program, start by mapping out your project budget and identifying any additional funding you might need. Many successful applicants combine this program with regional economic development or arts and culture grants. GrantHub helps you compare options and stay on top of deadlines as your project takes shape.
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